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Caltrans Considering Ways To Make Intersection Safer

Valley Springs, CA — Caltrans officials say they will need to acquire a half acre parcel of land near Highway 26 and Silver Rapids Road in order to make the intersection safer.

The state plans to remove almost 22,000 yards of dirt from the hillside so drivers can see around the curve. The work will reportedly begin in the fall if the state can obtain the land it needs.

Caltrans closed the northern part of the intersection in February to determine if the intersection needs to be modified. In a project last year, the state realigned and rebuilt a mile-long section of the highway in an effort to improve Silver Springs Road.

Part of the hillside to the northeast of the intersection was also removed to improve sight lines , but residents of the area say the work actually made the problem worse because it enabled motorists to drive faster through the intersection.

The speed limit remains at 45 miles per hour, and police have said they will increase patrols of the area.